411 Springfield Pike • Wyoming, OH 45215 • (513) 948ญญ–1218
The Parish Council representing the parish community shares the authority and responsibility, with the Pastor and Administrative Staff, of maintaining the quality of parish life.
It is the primary responsibility of the Parish Council to establish the goals, objectives and priorities of the parish. It does this through the evaluation of present programs, determination of parish needs and responsibilities, and the development of recommendations to the Pastor and Administrative Staff.
The various Commissions, Committees and Associations in the parish are responsible to the Parish Council. Together with these Commissions, Committees and Associations, the Parish Council formulates parish policy and coordinates various activities within the parish.
The membership of the Parish Council is composed of nine members-at-large, the representatives of Commissions, Associations and the Pastor, the Director of Religious Education, the School Principal and the Director of Music. The members-at-large are elected and serve a term of three years. Parish-wide elections are held each spring for one third of the membership-at-large. The representatives of the Commissions and Associations are appointed by those respective bodies.
The Worship Commission works to improve the quality of liturgical celebration in our parish. It concerns itself with the environment, the ministers and the music of worship. The members are involved in the planning and evaluation of our liturgical celebrations and the education of the parish in liturgical matters.
The Commission works through three standing committees:
- Liturgy Planning
- Art and Environment
- Bereavement
Liturgy Planning
Ex-officio members of the Commission are the Pastor; the Director of Music, the chairpersons of the standing committees and the coordinators of the lectors, the Eucharistic ministers and the ushers and greeters,
Nine members-at-large are elected from the parish, three each year for a three year term.
Bereavement
The Bereavement Committee helps to extend sympathy and comfort to grieving families on behalf of the parish community. At the time of death a member for the Committee meets with the family of the deceased to help plan the liturgy for the funeral
The Prayer Group
The Prayer Group shares prayer, scripture and song. They support each other through sharing joys and sorrows and offer intercessory prayers for all who come and everyone who requests a prayer. They discuss their faith journey and how the Lord is working in their lives. This group meets weekly. Everyone is welcome. St. James of the Valley Parish also has a Telephone Prayer Chain with members praying for any special intention.
It is the responsibility of this Commission, in conjunction with the Pastor and Administrative Staff to:
- Oversee preparation of the annual budget for the Church and School
- Review quarterly financial statements to check progress in meeting budgetary goals
- Keep parish Council apprised of the financial condition of the Parish
- Provide a written and oral financial report to parishioners annually
- Coordinate the annual Stewardship Sunday program
The Education Commission promotes the educational programs of the parish. These include St. James School; St. James Religious Education Program, including preschool, elementary, secondary and adult education; and the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults Program.
St. James School
St. James School is a catholic school established for the purpose of assisting in preparing children spiritually, intellectually, emotionally and socially for their future as active members of the church, community and country. The school includes kindergarten through grade 8. An atmosphere of mutual respect and cooperation, a recognition of the dignity of life and a concern for justice is fostered. Prime time is given to the teaching of religious doctrines and values in the daily curriculum. Opportunities for prayer and active Christian service are also provided. The school program is under the administrative direction of the Principal.
Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD)
The CCD is a religious education program for public school students. It is designed for students in grades 1 through 8. There is also a preschool program for children ages 3 to five years. Summer Bible School is offered for all parish children in the month of June. Youth ministry provides excellent activities and curriculum in religious education for all high school students.
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)
The community of St. James invites anyone interested in the Catholic faith to participate in these introductory information sessions. Weekly meetings are held throughout the fall and winter. The Catechumenate program culminates at Easter. Those interested in membership in the church contact the Rectory in the fall to begin the R.C.I.A. process.
Adult Religious Education
The adult religious education committee plans a yearly agenda of speakers, programs, retreats, parish mission, discussion groups and scripture study. This program is facilitated by the office of Religious education.
The Social Action Commission acts as an initiating and guiding force which encourages the St. James Parish Community to bring divine revelation to bear upon social issues, structures and needs -- both locally and globally. The Commission is a community of mutual support inspired by prayer, reflection and experience to emulate Christ by reaching out through loving action so as to move closer to God and His Kingdom as individuals, a parish and a society.
Although this is an elected body, parishioners are free to participate in the monthly meetings. Operating under the Parish Council, the SAC has 3 members elected to a 3-year term each year. At this time there are vacancies that can be filled by willing parishioners. Contact any of the members for more information.
Action Opportunities:
- planning and coordinating social justice ministries and activities in the parish
- hospitality at "Living Your Faith" talks on the 2nd & 3rd Sunday each month
- publicity for SAC events and activities
- all of these ministries - sign up to be a part of them
St. Vincent de Paul Society
Our conference of the St. Vincent de Paul was formed in 1948. The members of the Society bear witness to Christ and His Church by working for the good of others. They provide material assistance to those in need, visit them and bring parish's concern for their well-being to them. The members meet weekly to share their work and to support each other. New members, men and women, are welcome.
Valley Interfaith Food and Clothing Center
The Food and Clothing Center is a non-profit organization designed to give emergency food and clothing to the poor in the Valley area. It is supported by the Valley Interfaith Council of Churches, of which St. James is a member.
Valley Meals
Valley meals is a non-profit organization sponsored by the Valley Interfaith Council of Churches. It brings hot meals to elderly shut-ins who live in the Wyoming, Valleydale, Williamsburg, Hartwell and Lockland areas. The meals are delivered Monday through Friday at noon and all of the personnel and drivers are volunteers from the different area churches. Meals are paid for by the clients and are received from Franciscan Terrace at cost.
The goals of the Communications Commission are to build community and to work with and support those groups within the parish community in the fulfillment of their own goals. Membership consists of nine members elected by the parish. These members serve three year terms and one third of the membership is elected each spring. The Commission carries out its goals and objectives by:
- Publishing NetWork, the monthly newspaper
- Providing consultation services for parish organizations
- Recruiting volunteers for specific communications tasks
- Appointing the archivists/historian
- Maintaining the Book Rack in church
- Aiding parish organizations with public relations activities
- Keeping parish informed of upcoming events, inside and outside of the parish
- Welcoming new parishioners into the parish and familiarizing them with parish organizations, activities and services.
